All single mothers are not the same. There are some mothers who treat theirsons like little girls, and cast them into an identity crisis; nonetheless,there are other moms who do not. Conscientious single mothers do what's bestfor their sons despite the sacrifices demanded. So where do they begin?They accept their circumstances and vow to raise their sons successfully.These single moms help their boys advance to the men they're destined tobecome. This is accomplished by adhering to well thought out action plans,and by not depending solely upon their own efforts.

ACTION ONE: Single moms pray daily that God will enable them to becomeexcellent mothers and help them to raise their sons in a way that meets Hisapproval. When appropriate, they lead their sons to the Lord for salvation.They pray that God will endow them with knowledge, wisdom, understanding,and with every essential skill and ability. They ask God to direct theirsons' pathways, order their steps. guide them in their living, in theirchoice of friends, their career and in their selection of a wife. They takethem to church and Sunday or Sabbath School.

ACTION TWO: Single mothers motivate fathers to participate in their sons'lives and become their role models. They do all they can to help these menestablish strong bonds with their sons and foster frequent father-sonactivities. They seek additional positive role models in grandfathers,uncles, coaches, teachers, etc., to mentor their sons. Assistance isrecruited from church, male neighbors, karate clubs, or from organizationssuch as the Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers, and the Boys to MenMentoring Network.

ACTION THREE: Single moms help their sons develop suitable, written goalsand ambitions. They make them accountable, help them monitor theirprogress, and revise their plans when necessary. They teach them optimism,compassion, ethics and respect. They help them to be responsible, to becomepro-active instead of reactive, and to handle the differing issues of life.

ACTION FOUR: Single mothers teach their sons how to choose quality friendswith comparable values and goals, and how to establish good relationships.They get to know their sons' friends, and the friends' parents. They allowthem to invite their friends over for dinner or to spend the night. Theymake certain their sons attend lots of male oriented functions where theycan interact with committed, conscientious men and boost their self-esteem.

ACTION FIVE: Single moms raising boys keep their wits about them. Theywork to understand their sons' struggles, reassuring them as needed,discussing what the destination to manhood entails and what it does not -leaving certain facts to be handled by their male confidants. They strivenot to be overly-protective of their sons.

ACTION SIX: Single mothers don't criticize their sons' fathers, nor expressnegative views about men in their presence. They encourage their sons asmuch as possible to love and respect their fathers. They make it a point tohighlight the positive qualities in men using the media and real liveexamples. Their sons' importance to them is reinforced again and againbecause they love them unconditionally.. They realize that their sons willrespond to their values differently than they do because they are males.

ACTION SEVEN: Single moms don't expect their sons to be the men around thehouse; however, they do require them to share in the household chores, inthe household finances and operations. Consequently, they pay their sonscommissions based on the completion of their tasks, but not weeklyallowances. They instill organizational skills in their boys by helpingthem design and manage their chores using written lists. And they alwaysremember to praise their achievements, and tell their boys how proud theyare of them.

ACTION EIGHT: Single mothers talk with their sons regularly and create anenvironment for open communication. They are aware of what's going on intheir boys' lives and constantly track their actions. They show interest intheir activities, teach their sons how to resolve conflicts, and encouragethem to face their fears. They help them with their homework, play gameswith them, and plan outings with them. They, also, limit the amount of timethey can spend watching television and playing computer games.

ACTION NINE: Single moms stay connected with their sons' schools, theirteachers and parent-teacher associations. They encourage their boys' to getinvolved in extracurricular activities such as band, soccer, chorus,basketball, football, the yearbook staff, or the debate club. This is doneto help their boys' discover and develop their individual strengths,abilities and talents. It's done to encourage them to be men of honor andintegrity.

ACTION TEN: Single mothers love all of their children and spend qualitytime with each of them. They, also, take time to relax and unwound. Theyfind a few quiet moments for refreshment and restoration.

Being a single mother is extremely challenging. Determination, tenacity,personal growth and development help them to survive victoriously. Thereby,their images are enhanced, and likewise, the images of their sons areimproved. With persistence, boldness and support from compassionate familyand friends, single mothers help their sons to transition from boys tohopeful, confident, courageous men. They provide their sons with a healthypassage to manhood.